Drive Review: New 2023 KIA Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line

It has only been a short three years since the KIA Telluride broke onto the scene spring of 2019. At the time, the Texas Auto Writers Association, of which I am a member, was the first professional writers organizations in North America to not only drive the Telluride but to vote the all-new ground up build as the SUV of Texas. Since that time, the Telluride has gone on to to represent the category very well by winning numerous national awards every year since. The secret to winning awards for quality and style year over year is not hard if your focus is on serving the consumer. There needs to be important and substantial changes to improve vehicles every year as engineers discover better solutions that improve vehicles in a host of ways that make them overall more efficient, better looking, safer, fun to drive, and worthy of being proud to own.

It's easy to see the leadership at KIA absolutely understands this concept as the company continues to be recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. The company also closed out 2022 with the highest number of vehicle model awards with five in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards for the best year-over-year improvement of any mass market brand in the annual evaluation. How does this award translate to a buyer looking at KIAs for the first time? If the resale value is high for a vehicle they are looking to purchase, it is considered to have been engineered at a higher standard and the materials used must be of better quality than the average vehicle in the segment.

Resale value is one of the most important purchase considerations, and from rugged and capable SUVs to sporty sedans, the latest J.D. Power U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards are the latest demonstration of the strength and breadth of KIA's lineup.

Steven Center, COO and EVP for KIA America

New for 2023

The reason the Telluride has been turning heads since 2019 is that this unique SUV was designed and built exclusively for the U.S. demographic. It speaks to the pulse of Americans on many levels. For 2023, engineers at KIA were asked to change up the exterior without disturbing its successful bold and sophisticated look. The change buyers will see in the 2023 model is a rugged yet refined look that can be quickly noticed as the SUV is coming or going. The engineers have given the Telluride a new front fascia and grille along with a revised vertical headlamp design which will also be available in LED. The rear of the Telluride will also have a new rear fascia and trim and revised tail lights. To make all these new fascia changes pop, buyers can customize their trim package to a specific wheel, and they will also have three new colors to choose from including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green.

The new interior changes will not disturb the Telluride's past design concepts of providing owners a feeling of upscale exploration in a spacious cabin. It will still be offered as a three-row, seven- or eight-passenger cabin that has class-leading second-row legroom. One of the more impressive upgrades to the Telluride's interior is the redesigned dashboard that has a curved and seamless dual 12.3-inch display screen that is absolutely stunning when it is lit up. Another part of the dash redesign that flows nicely with the new screen is the updated steering wheel, dash trim panels, and HVAC vents to give all the new lines of the Telluride's interior a next generation look making its updated styling cues possible top in the class.

I have discussed many of the new features and looks the KIA Telluride will offer for 2023, but I have saved the biggest change to the Telluride line for last. For 2023 buyers who are looking for a bit more of a pop in their daily driver, KIA is now offering a more aggressive, rugged, and capable X-Line or X-Pro trim line for people who are seeking fun off-grid adventures. These two new all-wheel drive trims offer a roster of exclusive upgrades and enhancements over other Telluride trims Some of the most distinct differences of the two adventure packages is higher ground clearance (+10mm), improved approach and departure angles, upgraded Traction Control System (TCS), and an enhanced tow mode (5,500 lbs) that provides a more reliable trailering performance. Other changes buyers will notice will be a unique radiator grille design, exclusive 20-inch wheels, and X-Line specific badging. These new changes give the new trim lines the look of a vehicle that is ready for some off-grid fun but is still that reliable weekly errand runner or school line taxi.

The Telluride pictured, my press loan for the week, is a SX-Prestige with the X-Line Trim. I did not have a chance to test its off-grid capability, but I did get to put down some highway miles with it along with the typical suburban drive. The Telluride's ride was flawless in comfort or sport mode which you don't always get with a combination suburban queen and off-grid adventurer chaser. If you don't feel like you are a truck person, but still want to trailer some camping, boating, or jet ski outdoor fun, go visit a KIA dealer and give the X-Line or X-pro a try.

Specifications | SX-Prestige

Engine: 3.8L Gas Direct Injection V6
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Drive: Active On-Demand AWD
Wheels: 20" Dual Alloy
Sound: Harmon/Kardon Premium Audio
Fuel: 18/24/21 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $35,690
MSRP (shown): $54,120

Features:
*   Dual Panoramic 12.3" Displays w/Navigation
*   Head-up Display
*   Heated and Ventilated Captains Seats (1st and 2nd row)
*   Nappa Leather Seat Trim
*   Heated Steering Wheel
*   Dual Sunroofs
*   Smart Power Liftgate

Specifications | X-Line

Color (Exterior): Wolf Gray
Color (Interior): Terracotta Color Package

Features:
*   20' Black Alloy Wheels
*   X-Line Exterior Styling
*   Self Leveling Rear Suspension
*   Tow Mode

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
KIA | Telluride

About KIA

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S. including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.